Activities Assistant, Long Term Care (LTC)

Sanford Health•Watertown, SD

20h•$15 - $23

About The Position

The Activities Assistant strives to improve patients’ and residents’ quality of life by providing appropriate, meaningful activities and interventions, individually and in groups. The role administers the monthly activity calendar, regularly seeks residents’ input into activity planning, and keeps activities organized and upbeat. Activities include state-required programming such as music, crafts, and spiritual activities. The assistant participates in activities appropriate to the patients and department, supporting optimal functioning while maintaining residents’ dignity and identity. Duties also include assisting with simple nursing procedures, transporting patients and residents to and from rooms, and assisting with MDS and EPIC documentation. The role requires creativity, resourcefulness, communication and leadership skills, and the ability to follow instructions under close supervision. The assistant works with residents who may be strong-willed or have behavioral issues, uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills, prioritizes responsibilities, works autonomously, and helps plan and oversee resources and work processes.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while working under close supervision.
Ability to work with strong-willed patients and residents and/or behavioral issues.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work autonomously.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required based on location; depending on location, new employees must attend CPR training and obtain certification within six months of hire.
Obtain and maintain required department-specific competencies and certifications.
Depending on location, meet Sanford Category I or II Driver requirements, including a motor vehicle report and proof of a valid driver’s license, and be medically qualified to perform essential driving functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in social services or creative activities.
Experience in geriatrics.
Knowledge of working with a wide variety of resident demographics.
Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or current enrollment as a student in a healthcare-related program.
Creativity, resourcefulness, and leadership abilities to develop and motivate people.

Responsibilities

Administer the monthly activity calendar and regularly elicit patient and resident input into activity planning.
Organize and facilitate upbeat activities, including required music, craft, and spiritual activities.
Participate in activities suited to the patients, residents, and department to support optimal functioning while maintaining dignity and identity.
Assist with simple nursing procedures.
Transport patients and residents to and from rooms.
Assist with Minimum Data Set (MDS) and EPIC documentation.
Plan and oversee resource utilization and work-process design.